Opposition Parties Gear Up for Assam 2026 Assembly Elections
Mobilization of Opposition in Assam
Margherita/Jorhat, Jan 5: As the Congress and BJP intensify their preparations for the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections, smaller parties within the united Opposition are also ramping up their grassroots efforts in Upper Assam.
On Monday, Akhil Gogoi, the president of Raijor Dal and MLA from Sivasagar, launched the party's campaign in Margherita by announcing its candidate for the constituency.
During a workers' meeting at the India Club in Margherita, Gogoi declared that Rahul Chetri would be the party's nominee for the 2026 elections.
Positioning the contest as a direct rivalry between the current BJP MLA Bhaskar Sharma and Raijor Dal, Gogoi criticized Sharma for his lack of representation in the constituency over the last decade. He emphasized that his campaign would prioritize the needs of students, youth, teachers, workers, and the unemployed, stating, “Margherita needs real development.”
This meeting, attended by local party members and organizers, is part of Raijor Dal's broader initiative to engage with constituencies they plan to contest.
Gogoi mentioned that the party is conducting similar meetings across the state to bolster its organizational strength and prepare for a direct electoral challenge against the ruling BJP.
“We are holding workers’ meetings in every constituency we aim to contest. Today’s gathering in Margherita was initiated by Rahul and Rupam Ghosh, and we are serious about competing for this seat,” Gogoi informed the media.
When asked about Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi’s son, Pratik Bordoloi, who is reportedly seeking a Congress ticket for the same seat, Gogoi indicated that this issue would be addressed during alliance discussions.
In a related development, the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has raised new concerns regarding the revision of electoral rolls, adding complexity to the Opposition's campaign narrative.
AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi, speaking to reporters in Jorhat, claimed that the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls has resulted in the inclusion of “unknown names” in various regions.
He noted that Opposition parties had previously highlighted similar issues, which are now becoming evident on the ground.
File image of AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi
Referring to events following elections and revisions in Bihar, Lurinjyoti Gogoi expressed concerns about the timing of the revision in Assam, especially after earlier indications that such an exercise would not take place in the state.
“The Election Commission must take this seriously. Outsiders should not be included, and genuine local names must not be removed,” he urged, calling for increased vigilance from Booth Level Officers and Opposition parties.
Regarding the status of the Opposition alliance, Lurinjyoti Gogoi mentioned that both formal and informal discussions are ongoing, with more clarity expected around Magh Bihu.
“If the Opposition unites, the BJP will have no chance. Candidate selection must be a collaborative process. Ultimately, it is the will of the people that counts,” he asserted.
With Raijor Dal announcing candidates and AJP intensifying its scrutiny of electoral processes, the united Opposition appears eager to gain early traction, indicating that the race for Assam 2026 has quietly but decisively commenced.